The National Assembly of Botswana has approved the Gambling (Amendment) Bill, 2026, which aims to lower the legal gambling age from 21 to 18, reflecting changes to the regulatory framework for an evolving sector. The bill passed its third reading on August 13 after undergoing a detailed debate and clause-by-clause review during committee discussions. However, it has yet to be confirmed by presidential assent or to come into effect.
If enacted, this legislation would revise the Gambling Authority Act (Cap. 19:03), with the provisions to be implemented on a date appointed by the relevant minister through an official announcement in the Government Gazette.
The proposal to reduce the age limit sparked significant debate among lawmakers. Opposition members expressed concerns over the wisdom of lowering the minimum age, advocating for the retention of the current threshold. Nevertheless, Clause 2 of the bill was passed, which changes references of “the age of 21” to “the age of 18.”
Currently, Botswana's gambling laws set the legal age at 21. Supporters of the amendment contend that individuals aged 18 to 20 are already considered adults for various civic and economic functions, arguing that keeping the gambling age at 21 could inadvertently drive some individuals to unregulated options.
During the discussions, Labour and Home Affairs Minister Major General Pius Mokgware cautioned members against enacting unenforceable regulations, stating, "Do not have legislations which you cannot enforce, it is dangerous."
Opposition also came from Moshupa/Manyana MP Karabo Gare, who expressed that at 18, individuals may lack the judgment to make responsible decisions regarding gambling, which could lead to addiction. Similarly, Botswana Congress Party MP Kenny Kapinga stressed that younger adults are particularly susceptible to issues arising from early exposure to gambling.
Amidst these concerns, illegal betting has prompted calls for reform. Acting CEO of the Gambling Authority, Moruntshi Kemorwale, shared that reports of problem gambling declined from 5% in 2020 to 3.4% in 2025, attributing this decrease to initiatives like the National Responsible Gambling Programme. Kemorwale emphasized the Authority’s mission to safeguard the public while facilitating beneficial gambling activities in Botswana. He highlighted ongoing collaborations with law enforcement to combat illegal operators that mislead the public with false promises.
The negotiations surrounding the legal gambling age coincide with the Gambling Authority's heightened alerts regarding illegal online betting operations. During the South East Region Staff Excellence Awards in Gaborone, Kemorwale revealed that unlicensed platforms are estimated to siphon approximately P850 million ($63.2 million) annually from Botswana's economy, further endangering youth by allowing access to unregulated gambling.
The Gambling (Amendment) Bill is designed to bring the Gambling Authority Act in line with the Financial Intelligence Act as well as Financial Action Task Force standards. The bill aims to enhance anti-money laundering requirements and mitigate financial crime risks through proposed amendments concerning ownership interests and customer identity verification. Additionally, most license holders will be mandated to connect their gambling machines to the Authority’s monitoring system, while specific license holders will need to set up independent monitoring systems.
Moreover, the bill proposes significant fines for breaches, increasing the maximum penalty for violating legislation to P100,000, and/or imprisonment for up to five years.
Concerns regarding responsible gambling and treatment services featured prominently in parliamentary debates. Minister of Environment and Tourism Dr. Wynter Mmolotsi advocated for the establishment of dedicated rehabilitation centers and recommended implementing systems to detect problematic gambling behaviors. Mmolotsi noted that such systems exist in other countries to monitor gambling durations and patterns, aiding in addiction prevention.
Kgatleng Central MP Mpho Morolong emphasized the need for a cultural shift in how gambling is viewed, urging that it be recognized as a form of entertainment rather than a path to financial gain.
Botswana’s regulated gambling market has expanded rapidly since the Gambling Authority initiated licensing for bookmakers and gambling operators in 2023, including online betting subject to oversight. As of January 2024, prior to the emergence of licensed online operations, the Authority recorded around 510,000 instances of illegal online gambling involving Botswanans.
The online sports betting platform Sunbet Botswana debuted in February 2025, reporting a staggering 4,700% increase in registrations during its launch month, although specific figures on total sign-ups were not disclosed. In March 2025, licensed operators reported P150 million in accepted wagers, with P135 million paid out in winnings and a gross revenue of P15 million. Despite these developments, an estimated 40% of Botswana’s approximately 550,000 active bettors engaged with unregulated options.
By December 2025, gambling revenue surpassed P700 million, with expectations for the industry to exceed P1 billion by March 2027. Kemorwale expressed the necessity for updating regulatory practices in line with the evolving market, while also acknowledging a need for improved technical expertise within the country’s regulatory framework.
Illegal betting remains a focal concern for enforcement agencies, with investigations ongoing into eight foreign-based betting sites allegedly operating in Botswana using local proxies. Authorities are also collaborating with telecommunications and financial institutions to restrict access to illegal sites and disrupt associated payment systems.
Having gained parliamentary approval, the next step for the bill is to secure presidential assent and outline its implementation. The Gambling Authority is now tasked with translating these proposed reforms into actionable oversight measures, enhancing regulation against unlicensed operators while implementing necessary consumer protections as the market continues to grow.
